Written by

The Tennessean

The Indianapolis-based developer planning a large mixed-use development on 21st Avenue South across from Vanderbilt’s campus hopes to pull permits and start utility work and demolition within weeks, according to its lawyer.

Last week, Buckingham Cos. filed its final site plan for the $120 million-plus project with Metro’s planning department. Approval would allow the developer to obtain building and grading permits.

Overall, the development Buckingham plans on nearly 2 acres would include a roughly 180-room hotel, 350 apartment units and 39,130 square feet of restaurant and retail space, according to the filing.

Earlier this year, Buckingham and the LaGasse family, which owns the property, received preliminary approval for specific plan zoning for the site through legislation filed with Metro Council. James Weaver, a partner in the Waller law firm that represents Buckingham, said the planning department’s staff indicated the final application is compliant with the preliminary document, so approval would come through a staff review with no planning commission action required.

Weaver also said Buckingham already signed the land lease for the property.

Number of rooms for hotel increases

Among changes included in the final submission from Buckingham and the LaGasse family, the number of hotel rooms increased from 165, while the building area stayed the same. A separate communication between engineering firm Littlejohn Engineering Associates and Metro’s Department of Water and Sewerage Services suggests the project could include three restaurants that can seat 330 people and a 19,320-square-foot retail development.

Buckingham also said it has been working with Metro’s Department of Public Works on roadway improvements consistent with the traffic study the company submitted to the agency last fall. Two access points on 21st Avenue and Broadway are planned to connect common lobbies of the hotel. Meanwhile, the residential tower and the retail venues along 21st Avenue and Division Street will have additional storefront entrances directly into the leased space.

To make way for construction, the existing structures would be demolished, including the former Mario’s Restaurant site and the building that housed the former Nick & Rudy’s and Varsity Grille restaurant. Businesses at the site include a Wendy’s restaurant and Ken’s Sushi & Japanese Restaurant, which is expected soon to open a new location at 923 Main St. in East Nashville.